University of Surrey
Surrey, England, UK
30-48mths full-time; 60-96mths part-time
Our stimulating research environment includes laboratories for experimental, psychophysiological, perceptual and observational research (on-site EEG, TMS, tDCS, Baby Lab, driving simulator and dedicated access to external fMRI scanner), extensive technical equipment, laboratories for observing individual and group behaviour and a large library of psychometric and clinical tests. We have research links with schools, hospitals (with access to patients through local GPs), businesses and many of the University’s multidisciplinary research centres.
Research is grouped around three themes (brain and behaviour, enhancing thinking, and health and wellbeing), all of which engage our psychologists’ expertise in developmental, social and applied psychology. Our strong track record in research-based professional training is evident in the strength of our policy-related research in areas such as health, sustainability, forensics and the workplace.
Programme overview
The School of Psychology offers supervision of research leading to a PhD degree in multiple areas of psychology. Graduates from our programme are trained in the most advanced and innovative research methods and prepared to compete effectively in the job market. The programme provides a solid grounding in research methods and the skills of communicating research findings to academic and other audiences through academic publication and other routes.
Funding
Faculty Studentship Opportunities:
Faculty studentships are available for top-quality students, covering tuition fees at the Home/EU rate and maintenance at current research-council rates for full-time or part-time study. Please see the Faculty studentships webpage for further information.
ESRC South East Doctoral Training Centre studentship opportunities:
The South East DTC offers ESRC studentships to top-quality research students wishing to study psychology, sociology, politics or related multidisciplinary topics within the social sciences at the University of Surrey.
Professional recognition
The PhD in Health Psychology confers eligibility to apply for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Full Membership of the Division of Health Psychology. Successful completion of both the PhD thesis and Portfolio of Competence also confers eligibility to apply to the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a Health Psychologist.
This programme is pending approval by the Health & Care Professions Council (visit due June 2015), the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK. It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practise using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 (e.g., Health Psychologist) is on the HCPC register.
For more information please see the HCPC website at:
This programme is also accredited by the British Psychological Society. The Society is the professional body responsible for developing and supporting the discipline of psychology and disseminating psychological knowledge to the public and policy makers. It is the key professional body for psychology and psychologists, with numerous benefits of membership. Successful completion of the programme confers eligibility to apply for Chartered Membership of the Society and full membership of the Division of Health Psychology. Please see www.bps.org.uk and www.health-psychology.org.uk for further information.
Entry requirements
Upper second-class honours degree (65 per cent or above) in psychology (or a related discipline). Students must also:
i) Be a Graduate Member of the BPS or hold the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)
ii) Hold the BPS Stage 1 Qualification in Health Psychology (e.g. MSc Health Psychology)
Applicants to the programme should be aware of the following conditions of, and considerations for, entry to the programme
Academic ability:
Some of the Standards of Proficiency (SOPs) that are required for Health Psychologists will have been acquired through your previous experience and learning. In particular, an understanding of the theories, evidence, and methods underpinning health psychology practice will have been demonstrated during the completion of the Stage 1 (accredited MSc in Health Psychology) qualification. In order to demonstrate that you have achieved these SOPs prior to enrolling on the programme, you are required to supply the course director with a copy of the curriculum from the MSc in Health Psychology you completed and a transcript of your marks for this period of study.
Criminal Convictions:
If you are offered a place on the programme, it is a requirement that you will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (enhanced level) prior to enrolment on the programme. Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify an applicant from enrolling on the programme, but will need to be discussed with the course director.
Health Conditions:
If you have a health condition that could influence your progress through the programme, you are strongly encouraged to discuss this with the course director. Having a health condition does not preclude you from registering on the programme and will only be considered from the perspective of whether this condition influences fitness to practice as a trainee in health psychology. In addition, the course director will be able to discuss with you the kind of support that can be offered to facilitate your progress through the programme.
Programme progression:
PhD status will be confirmed following a satisfactory probationary period. In their first year or part-time equivalent, all students are expected to pass taught courses and attend seminars relating to research methods, teaching and training, conducting consultancies, behaviour change interventions and ethics and professional skills.
How to apply
For more information on the course and how to apply please visit the programme website.
General enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 686 509